Hands-off approach to energy production

Raese has accused Manchin of creating a state "mini cap-and-trade" program by convincing lawmakers last year to pass legislation requiring 25% of the energy used in the state to come from alternative and renewable resources.
Raese said that would result in using less coal, but critics, including those in the coal industry, pointed out a large part of that target can be met by using "clean coal" technologies, such as carbon capture and storage. Regardless,
Raese said the federal government should take a hands-off approach to energy production. "We are the only country that legislates through laws to keep our natural resources in the ground," he said. "I find that fascinating."

Manchin also was highly critical of attempts by the Obama administration to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, saying the path it was taking wasn't going to solve the problem.